The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle

Part 2: 646 - 754

A.D. 648. This year Kenwal gave his relation Cuthred three thousand hides of land by Ashdown. Cuthred was the son of
Cwichelm, Cwichelm of Cynegils.

A.D. 650. This year Egelbert, from Gaul, after Birinus the Romish bishop, obtained the bishopric of the West-Saxons.

[A.D. 650. This year Birinus the bishop died, and Agilbert the Frenchman was
ordained.]

A.D. 651. This year King Oswin was slain, on the twentieth day of August; and within twelve nights afterwards died Bishop Aidan,
on the thirty-first of August.

A.D. 652. This year Kenwal fought at Bradford by the Avon.

A.D. 653. This year, the Middle-Angles under alderman Peada received the right belief.

A.D. 654. This year King Anna was slain, and Botolph began to build that minster at
Icanhoe. This year also died Archbishop Honorius, on the thirtieth of September.

A.D. 655. This year Penda was slain at Wingfield, and thirty royal personages with him, some of whom were kings. One of them
was Ethelhere, brother of Anna, king of the East-Angles. The Mercians after this became Christians. From the beginning of the
world had now elapsed five thousand eight hundred and fifty winters, when Peada, the son of
Penda, assumed the government
of the Mercians. In his time came together himself and Oswy, brother of King Oswald, and said, that they would rear a minster
to the glory of Christ, and the honour of St. Peter. And they did so, and gave it the name of
Medhamsted; because there is a
well there, called Meadswell. And they began the groundwall, and wrought thereon; after which they committed the work to a monk,
whose name was Saxulf. He was very much the friend of God, and him also loved all people. He was nobly born in the world, and
rich: he is now much richer with Christ. But King Peada reigned no while; for he was betrayed by his own queen, in Easter-tide.
This year Ithamar, Bishop of Rochester, consecrated Deus-dedit
to Canterbury, on the twenty-sixth day of March.

A.D. 656. This year was Peada slain; and Wulfhere, son of Penda, succeeded to the kingdom of the
Mercians. In his time waxed the
abbey of Medhamsted very rich, which his brother had begun. The king loved it much, for the love of his brother
Peada, and for
the love of his wed-brother Oswy, and for the love of Saxulf the abbot. He said, therefore, that he would dignify and honour it
by the counsel of his brothers, Ethelred and Merwal; and by the counsel of his sisters, Kyneburga and
Kyneswitha; and by the
counsel of the archbishop, who was called Deus-dedit; and by the counsel of all his peers, learned and lewd, that in his kingdom
were. And he so did. Then sent the king after the abbot, that he should immediately come to him. And he so did. Then said the
king to the abbot: "Beloved Saxulf, I have sent after thee
for the good of my soul; and I will plainly tell thee for why. My brother Peada and my beloved friend Oswy began a
minster, for
the love of Christ and St. Peter: but my brother, as Christ willed, is departed from this life; I will therefore intreat thee,
beloved friend, that they earnestly proceed on their work; and
I will find thee thereto gold and silver, land and possessions,
and all that thereto behoveth." Then went the abbot home, and
began to work. So he sped, as Christ permitted him; so that in a few years was that minster ready. Then, when the king heard say
that, he was very glad; and bade men send through all the nation, after all his thanes; after the archbishop, and after bishops:
and after his earls; and after all those that loved God; that they should come to him. And he fixed the day when men should
hallow the minster. And when they were hallowing the minster, there was the king,
Wulfere, and his brother Ethelred, and his
sisters, Kyneburga and Kyneswitha. And the minster was hallowed by Archbishop Deusdedit of Canterbury; and the Bishop of
Rochester, Ithamar; and the Bishop of London, who was called Wina; and the Bishop of the
Mercians, whose name was Jeruman;
and Bishop Tuda. And there was Wilfrid, priest, that after was bishop; and there were all his thanes that were in his kingdom.
When the minster was hallowed, in the name of St. Peter, and St. Paul, and St. Andrew, then stood up the king before all his
thanes, and said with a loud voice: "Thanks be to the high almighty God for this worship that here is done; and I will this
day glorify Christ and St. Peter, and I will that you all confirm my words. -- I Wulfere give to-day to St. Peter, and the Abbot
Saxulf, and the monks of the minster, these lands, and these waters, and meres, and fens, and weirs, and all the lands that
thereabout lye, that are of my kingdom, freely, so that no man have there any ingress, but the abbot and the monks. This is the
gift. From Medhamsted to Northborough; and so to the place that is called Foleys; and so all the fen, right to
Ashdike; and from
Ashdike to the place called Fethermouth; and so in a right line ten miles long to
Ugdike; and so to Ragwell; and from Ragwell
five miles to the main river that goeth to Elm and to Wisbeach; and so about three miles to
Trokenholt; and from Trokenholt right
through all the fen to Derworth; that is twenty miles long; and so to Great Cross; and from Great Cross through a clear water
called Bradney; and thence six miles to Paxlade; and so forth through all the meres and fens that lye toward Huntingdon-port;
and the meres and lakes Shelfermere and Wittlesey mere, and all the others that thereabout lye; with land and with houses that
are on the east side of Shelfermere; thence all the fens to Medhamsted; from Medhamsted all to
Welmsford; from Welmsford to Clive; thence to Easton; from Easton to Stamford; from Stamford as the water runneth to the aforesaid Northborough." -- These
are the lands and the fens that the king gave unto St. Peter's minster. -- Then quoth the king: "It is little -- this gift
-- but I will that they hold it so royally and so freely, that there be taken there from neither gild nor gable, but for the monks
alone. Thus I will free this minster; that it be not subject except to Rome alone; and hither I will that we seek St. Peter,
all that to Rome cannot go." During these words the abbot desired that he would gant him his request. And the king granted
it. "I have here (said he) some good monks that would lead
their life in retirement, if they wist where. Now here is an island, that is called
Ankerig; and I will request, that we may there
build a minster to the honour of St. Mary; that they may dwell there who will lead their lives in peace and
tranquillity."
Then answered the king, and quoth thus: "Beloved Saxulf, not that
only which thou desirest, but all things that I know thou desirest
in our Lord's behalf, so I approve, and grant. And I bid thee, brother Ethelred, and my sisters, Kyneburga and
Kyneswitha, for
the release of your souls, that you be witnesses, and that you subscribe it with your fingers. And I pray all that come after
me, be they my sons, be they my brethren, or kings that come after me, that our gift may stand; as they would be partakers
of the life everlasting, and as they would avoid everlasting punishment. Whoso lesseneth our gift, or the gift of other good
men, may the heavenly porter lessen him in the kingdom of heaven; and whoso advanceth it, may the heavenly porter advance him in
the kingdom of heaven." These are the witnesses that were
there, and that subscribed it with their fingers on the cross of Christ, and confirmed it with their tongues. That was, first the king,
Wulfere, who confirmed it first with his word, and afterwards wrote with his finger on the cross of Christ, saying thus: "I
Wulfere, king, in the presence of kings, and of earls, and of captains, and of thanes, the witnesses of my gift, before the
Archbishop Deus-dedit, I confirm it with the cross of Christ." (+) -- "And I
Oswy, king of the Northumbrians, the friend
of this minster, and o the Abbot Saxulf, commend it with the cross
of Christ." (+) -- "And I Sighere, king, ratify it with
the cross of Christ." (+) -- "And I Sibbi, king, subscribe it with
the cross of Christ." (+) -- "And I Ethelred, the king's brother,
granted the same with the cross of Christ." (+) -- "And we,
the king's sisters, Kyneburga and Kyneswitha, approve it." -- "And
I Archbishop of Canterbury, Deus-dedit, ratify it." -- Then confirmed it all the others that were there with the cross of
Christ (+): namely, Ithamar, Bishop of Rochester; Wina, Bishop
of London; Jeruman, Bishop of the Mercians; and Tuda, bishop; and Wilfrid, priest, who was afterwards bishop; and
Eoppa, priest,
whom the king, Wulfere, sent to preach christianity in the Isle of Wight; and
Saxulf, abbot; and Immine, alderman, and Edbert,
alderman, and Herefrith, alderman, and Wilbert, alderman, and Abo, alderman;
Ethelbald, Brord, Wilbert, Elmund, Frethegis.
These, and many others that were there, the king's most loyal subjects, confirmed it all. This charter was written after our
Lord's Nativity 664 -- the seventh year of King Wulfere -- the ninth year of Archbishop
Deus-dedir. Then they laid God's curse,
and the curse of all saints, and all christian folks, on whosoever undid anything that there was done. "So be it,"
saith all. "Amen." -- When this thing was done, then sent
the king to Rome to the Pope Vitalianus that then was, and desired, that he would ratify with his writ and with his blessing, all this
aforesaid thing. And the pope then sent his writ, thus saying: "I
Vitalianus, pope, grant thee, King Wulfere, and Deus-dedit,
archbishop, and Abbot Saxulf, all the things that you desire. And I forbid, that any king, or any man, have any ingress, but
the abbot alone; nor shall he be Subject to any man, except the Pope of Rome and the Archbishop of Canterbury. If any one
breaketh anything of this, St. Peter with his sword destroy him. Whosoever holdeth it, St. Peter with heaven's key undo him the
kingdom of heaven." -- Thus was the minster of Medhamsted
begun, that was afterwards called Peter-borough. Afterwards came another archbishop to Canterbury, who was called
Theodorus; a
very good man and wise; and held his synod with his bishops and with his clerk. There was
Wilfrid, bishop of the Mercians,
deprived of his bishopric; and Saxulf, abbot, was there chosen bishop; and
Cuthbald, monk of the same minster, was chosen abbot.
This synod was holden after our Lord's Nativity six hundred and seventy-three winters.

A.D. 658. This year Kenwal fought with the Welsh at Pen, and pursued them to the
Parret. This battle was fought after his
return from East-Anglia, where he was three years in exile. Penda had driven him thither and deprived him of his kingdom,
because he had discarded his sister.

A.D. 660. This year Bishop Egelbert departed from Kenwal; and Wina held the bishopric three years. And Egbert accepted the
bishopric of Paris, in Gaul, by the Seine.

A.D. 661. This year, at Easter, Kenwal fought at Pontesbury; and Wulfere, the son of
Penda, pursued him as far as Ashdown. Cuthred, the son of Cwichelm, and King
Kenbert, died in one year.
Into the Isle of Wight also Wulfere, the son of Penda, penetrated, and transferred the inhabitants to
Ethelwald, king
of the South-Saxons, because Wulfere adopted him in baptism. And Eoppa, a mass-priest, by command of Wilfrid and King
Wulfere,
was the first of men who brought baptism to the people of the Isle
of Wight.

A.D. 664. This year the sun was eclipsed, on the eleventh of May; and Erkenbert, King of Kent, having died, Egbert his son
succeeded to the kingdom. Colman with his companions this year returned to his own country. This same year there was a great
plague in the island Britain, in which died Bishop Tuda, who was buried at Wayleigh -- Chad and Wilferth were consecrated -- And
Archbishop Deus-dedit died.

A.D. 667. This year Oswy and Egbert sent Wighard, a priest, to Rome, that he might be consecrated there Archbishop of
Canterbury; but he died as soon as he came thither.

[A.D. 667. This year Wighard went to Rome, even as King Oswy, and Egbert had sent
him.]

A.D. 668. This year Theodore was consecrated archbishop, and sent into Britain.

A.D. 669. This year King Egbert gave to Bass, a mass-priest, Reculver -- to build a minster upon.

A.D. 670. This year died Oswy, King of Northumberland, on the fifteenth day before the calends of March; and Egferth his son
reigned after him. Lothere, the nephew of Bishop Egelbert, succeeded to the bishopric over the land of the West-Saxons, and
held it seven years. He was consecrated by Archbishop Theodore. Oswy was the son of
Ethelfrith, Ethelfrith of Ethelric, Ethelric
of Ida, Ida of Eoppa.

A.D. 671. This year happened that great destruction among the fowls.

A.D. 672. This year died King Cenwal; and Sexburga his queen held the government one year after him.

A.D. 673. This year died Egbert, King of Kent; and the same year there was a synod at Hertford; and St. Etheldritha began that
monastery at Ely.

A.D. 674. This year Escwin succeeded to the kingdom of Wessex. He was the son of
Cenfus, Cenfus of Cenferth, Cenferth of Cuthgils, Cuthgils of Ceolwulf, Ceolwulf of
Cynric, Cynric of Cerdic.

A.D. 675. This year Wulfere, the son of Penda, and Escwin, the son of Cenfus, fought at
Bedwin. The same year died Wulfere, and
Ethelred succeeded to the government. In his time sent he to Rome Bishop Wilfrid to the pope that then was, called
Agatho,
and told him by word and by letter, how his brothers Peada and Wulfere, and the Abbot
Saxulf, had wrought a minster, called Medhamsted; and that they had freed it, against king and against bishop, from every service; and he besought him that he would
confirm it with his writ and with his blessing. And the pope sent then his writ to England, thus saying: "I
Agatho, Pope
of Rome, greet well the worthy Ethelred, king of the Mercians, and the Archbishop Theodorus of Canterbury, and
Saxulf, the bishop
of the Mercians, who before was abbot, and all the abbots that are in England; God's greeting and my blessing. I have heard the
petition of King Ethelred, and of the Archbishop Theodorus, and of the Bishop
Saxulf, and of the Abbot Cuthbald; and I will it,
that it in all wise be as you have spoken it. And I ordain, in behalf of God, and of St. Peter, and of all saints, and of every
hooded head, that neither king, nor bishop, nor earl, nor any
man whatever, have any claim, or gable, or gild, or levy, or take
any service of any kind, from the abbey of Medhamsted. I command also, that no shire-bishop be so bold as to hold an ordination
or consecration within this abbacy, except the abbot intreat him, nor have there any claim to proxies, or
synodals, or anything
whatever of any kind. And I will, that the abbot be holden for legate of Rome over all that island; and whatever abbot is there
chosen by the monks that he be consecrated by the Archbishop of Canterbury. I will and decree, that, whatever man may have made
a vow to go to Rome, and cannot perform it, either from infirmity, or for his lord's need, or from poverty, or from any
other necessity of any kind whatever, whereby he cannot come thither, be he of England, or of whatever other island he be,
he may come to that minster of Medhamsted, and have the same forgiveness of Christ and St. Peter, and of the abbot, and of
the monks, that he should have if he went to Rome. Now bid I thee, brother
Theodorus, that thou let it be proclaimed through all
England, that a synod be gathered, and this writ be read and
observed. Also I tell thee, Bishop Saxulf, that, as thou desirest it, that the minster be free, so I forbid thee, and all
the bishops that after thee come, from Christ and from all his saints, that ye have no demand from that
minster, except so much
as the abbot will. Now will I say in a word, that, whoso holdeth this writ and this decree, then be he ever dwelling with God
Almighty in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso breaketh it, then be he excommunicated, and thrust down with Judas, and with all
the devils in hell, except he come to repentance. Amen!"
This writ sent the Pope Agatho, and a hundred and twenty-five bishops, by
Wilfrid, Archbishop of York, to England. This was done after
our Lord's Nativity 680, the sixth year of King Ethelred. Then the king commanded the Archbishop
Theodorus, that he should
appoint a general Wittenmoot at the place called Hatfield. When they were there collected, then he allowed the letter to be read
that the pope sent thither; and all ratified and confirmed it. Then said the king: "All things that my brother
Peada, and
my brother Wulfere, and my sisters, Kyneburga and Kyneswitha, gave and granted to St. Peter and the abbot, these I will may stand;
and I will in my day increase it, for their souls and for my soul. Now give I St. Peter to-day into his
minster, Medhamsted,
these lands, and all that thereto lyeth; that is, Bredon, Repings, Cadney,
Swineshead, Hanbury, Lodeshall, Scuffanhall, Cosford, Stratford, Wattleburn,
Lushgard, Ethelhun-island, Bardney. These lands I give St. Peter just as freely as I
possessed them myself; and so, that none of my successors take anything
therefrom. Whoso doeth it, have he the curse of the
Pope of Rome, and the curse of all bishops, and of all those that are witnesses here. And this I confirm with the token of
Christ." (+) "I Theodorus, Archbishop of Canterbury,
am witness to this charter of Medhamsted; and I ratify it with my hand, and I excommunicate all that break anything thereof; and I bless all
that hold it." (+) "I Wilfrid, Archbishop of York, am
witness to this charter; and I ratify this same curse." (+) "I Saxulf, who was first abbot, and now am bishop, I give my curse, and that
of all my successors, to those who break this." -- "I Ostritha, Ethelred's queen, confirm it." -- "I Adrian, legate,
ratify it." -- "I Putta, Bishop of Rochester, subscribe it." --
"I Waldhere, Bishop of London, confirm it." -- "I Cuthbald, abbot,
ratify it; so that, whoso breaketh it, have he the cursing of all bishops and of all christian folk. Amen."

A.D. 676. This year, in which Hedda succeeded to his bishopric, Escwin died; and Centwin obtained the government of the West-Saxons. Centwin was the son of
Cynegils, Cynegils of Ceolwulf. Ethelred, king of the Mercians, in the meantime, overran the land of Kent.

A.D. 678. This year appeared the comet-star in August, and shone every morning, during three months, like a sunbeam. Bishop
Wilfrid being driven from his bishopric by King Everth, two bishops were consecrated in his stead, Bosa over the
Deirians,
and Eata over the Bernicians. About the same time also Eadhed was consecrated bishop over the people of Lindsey, being the
first in that division.

A.D. 679. This year Elwin was slain, by the river Trent, on the spot where Everth and Ethelred fought. This year also died St.
Etheldritha; and the monastery of Coldingiham was destroyed by fire from heaven.

A.D. 680. This year Archbishop Theodore appointed a synod at Hatfield; because he was desirous of rectifying the belief of
Christ; and the same year died Hilda, Abbess of Whitby.

A.D. 681. This year Trumbert was consecrated Bishop of Hexham, and Trumwin bishop of the
Picts; for they were at that time
subject to this country. This year also Centwin pursued the Britons to the sea.

A.D. 684. This year Everth sent an army against the Scots, under the command of his alderman, Bright, who lamentably plundered
and burned the churches of God.

A.D. 685. This year King Everth commanded Cuthbert to be consecrated a bishop; and Archbishop Theodore, on the first day
of Easter, consecrated him at York Bishop of Hexham; for Trumbert had been deprived of that see. The same year Everth was slain
by the north sea, and a large army with him, on the thirteenth day before the calends of June. He continued king fifteen winters;
and his brother Elfrith succeeded him in the government. Everth was the son of
Oswy. Oswy of Ethelferth, Ethelferth of Ethelric,
Ethelric of Ida, Ida of Eoppa. About this time Ceadwall began
to struggle for a kingdom. Ceadwall was the son of Kenbert, Kenbert of Chad, Chad of
Cutha, Cutha of Ceawlin, Ceawlin of Cynric,
Cynric of Cerdic. Mull, who was afterwards consigned to the flames in Kent, was the brother of
Ceadwall. The same year died Lothhere, King of Kent; and John was consecrated Bishop of
Hexham, where he remained till Wilferth was restored, when John
was translated to York on the death of Bishop Bosa. Wilferth his priest was afterwards consecrated Bishop of York, and John
retired to his monastery (21) in the woods of Delta. This year there was in Britain a bloody rain, and milk and butter were
turned to blood.

[A.D. 685. And in this same year Cuthbert was consecrated Bishop of Hexham by Archbishop Theodore at York, because Bishop
Tumbert had been driven from the bishopric.]

A.D. 686. This year Ceadwall and his brother Mull spread devastation in Kent and the Isle of Wight. This same Ceadwall
gave to St. Peter's minster, at Medhamsted, Hook; which is situated in an island called
Egborough. Egbald at this time was
abbot, who was the third after Saxulf; and Theodore was archbishop in Kent.

A.D. 687. This year was Mull consigned to the flames in Kent, and twelve other men with him; after which, in the same year,
Ceadwall overran the kingdom of Kent.

A.D. 688. This year Ceadwall went to Rome, and received baptism at the hands of Sergius the pope, who gave him the name of Peter;
but in the course of seven nights afterwards, on the twelfth day before the calends of May, he died in his
crisom-cloths, and was
buried in the church of St. Peter. To him succeeded Ina in the kingdom of Wessex, and reigned thirty-seven winters. He founded
the monastery of Glastonbury; after which he went to Rome, and continued there to the end of his life. Ina was the son of
Cenred, Cenred of Ceolwald; Ceolwald was the brother of Cynegils; and both were the sons of
Cuthwin, who was the son of Ceawlin;
Ceawlin was the son of Cynric, and Cynric of Cerdic.

[A.D. 688. This year King Caedwalla went to Rome, and received baptism of Pope
Sergius, and he gave him the name of Peter, and
in about seven days afterwards, on the twelfth before the kalends of May, while he was yet in his baptismal garments, he died: and
he was buried in St. Peter's church. And Ina succeeded to the kingdom of the West-Saxons after him, and he reigned twenty-seven
years.]

A.D. 690. This year Archbishop Theodore, who had been bishop twenty-two winters, departed this life, (22) and was buried
within the city of Canterbury. Bertwald, who before this was abbot of Reculver, on the calends of July succeeded him in the
see; which was ere this filled by Romish bishops, but henceforth with English. Then were there two kings in Kent, Wihtred and
Webherd.

A.D. 693. This year was Bertwald consecrated archbishop by Godwin, bishop of the
Gauls, on the fifth day before the nones
of July; about which time died Gifmund, who was Bishop of Rochester; and Archbishop Bertwald consecrated Tobias in his stead. This
year also Dryhtelm (23) retired from the world.

A.D. 694. This year the people of Kent covenanted with Ina, and gave him 30,000 pounds in friendship, because they had burned
his brother Mull. Wihtred, who succeeded to the kingdom of Kent, and held it thirty-three winters, was the son of
Egbert, Egbert of Erkenbert, Erkenbert of Eadbald, Eadbald of Ethelbert. And as soon as he was king, he ordained a great council to meet in the
place that is called Bapchild; in which presided Wihtred, King
of Kent, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Brihtwald, and Bishop Tobias of Rochester; and with him were collected abbots and abbesses,
and many wise men, all to consult about the advantage of God's churches that are in Kent. Now began the king to speak, and
said, "I will that all the minsters and the churches, that
were given and bequeathed to the worship of God in the days of believing kings, my predecessors, and in the days of my relations
of King Ethelbert and of those that followed him -- shall so remain to the worship of God, and stand fast for evermore. For
I Wihtred, earthly king, urged on by the heavenly king, and with the spirit of righteousness annealed, have of our progenitors
learned this, that no layman should have any right to possess himself of any church or of any of the things that belong to the
church. And, therefore, strongly and truly, we set and decree, and in the name of Almighty God, and of all saints, we forbid
all our succeeding kings, and aldermen, and all lawmen, ever, any lordship over churches, and over all their appurtenances, which
I or my elders in old days have given for a perpetual inheritance to the glory of Christ and our Lady St. Mary, and the holy
apostles. And look! when it happeneth, that bishop, or abbot, or abbess, depart from this life, be it told the archbishop, and
with his counsel and injunction be chosen such as be worthy. And the life of him, that shall be chosen to so holy a thing, let
the archbishop examine, and his cleanness; and in no wise be chosen any one, or to so holy a thing consecrated, without the
archbishop's counsel. Kings shall appoint earls, and aldermen, sheriffs, and judges; but the archbishop shall consult and
provide for God's flock: bishops, and abbots, and abbesses, and priests, and deacons, he shall choose and appoint; and also
sanctify and confirm with good precepts and example, lest that any of God's flock go astray and perish --"

A.D. 697. This year the Southumbrians slew Ostritha, the queen of Ethelred, the sister of
Everth.

A.D. 699. This year the Picts slew Alderman Burt.

A.D. 702. This year Kenred assumed the government of the Southumbrians.

A.D. 703. This year died Bishop Hedda, having held the see of Winchester twenty-seven winters.

A.D. 704. This year Ethelred, the son of Penda, King of Mercia, entered into a monastic life, having reigned twenty-nine winters;
and Cenred succeeded to the government.

A.D. 705. This year died Ealdferth, king of the Northumbrians, on the nineteenth day before the calends of January, at
Driffield; and was succeeded by his son Osred. Bishop Saxulf also died the same year.

A.D. 709. This year died Aldhelm, who was bishop by Westwood. The land of the West-Saxons was divided into two bishoprics in
the first days of Bishop Daniel; who held one whilst Aldhelm held the other. Before this it was only one. Forthere succeeded to
Aldhelm; and Ceolred succeeded to the kingdom of Mercia. And Cenred went to Rome; and Offa with him. And Cenred was there to
the end of his life. The same year died Bishop Wilferth, at Oundle, but his body was carried to Ripon. He was the bishop
whom King Everth compelled to go to Rome.

A.D. 710. This year Acca, priest of Wilferth, succeeded to the bishopric that Wilferth ere held; and Alderman Bertfrith fought
with the Picts between Heugh and Carau. Ina also, and Nun his relative, fought with Grant, king of the Welsh; and the same year
Hibbald was slain.

A.D. 714. This year died Guthlac the holy, and King Pepin.

A.D. 715. This year Ina and Ceolred fought at Wanborough; (24) and King Dagobert departed this life.

A.D. 716. This year Osred, king of the Northumbrians, was slain near the southern borders. He reigned eleven winters after
Ealdferth. Cenred then succeeded to the government, and held it two years; then
Osric, who held it eleven years. This same year
died Ceolred, king of the Mercians. His body lies at Lichfield; but that of
Ethelred, the son of Penda, at Bardney. Ethelbald
then succeeded to the kingdom of Mercia, and held it one and forty winters. Ethelbald was the son of
Alwy, Alwy of Eawa, Eawa
of Webba, whose genealogy is already written. The venerable Egbert about this time converted the monks of Iona to the right
faith, in the regulation of Easter, and the ecclesiastical tonsure.

A.D. 718. This year died Ingild, the brother of Ina. Cwenburga and Cuthburga were their sisters. Cuthburga reared the monastery
of Wimburn; and, though given in marriage to Ealdferth, King of Northumberland, they parted during their lives.

A.D. 721. This year Bishop Daniel went to Rome; and the same year Ina slew
Cynewulf, the etheling. This year also died the
holy Bishop John; who was bishop thirty-three years, and eight months, and thirteen days. His body now resteth at Beverley.

A.D. 722. This year Queen Ethelburga destroyed Taunton, which Ina had formerly built; Ealdbert wandered a wretched exile in
Surrey and Sussex; and Ina fought with the South-Saxons.

A.D. 725. This year died Wihtred, King of Kent, on the ninth day before the calends of May, after a reign of thirty-two winters.
His pedigree is above; and he was succeeded by Eadbert. Ina this year also fought with the South-Saxons, and slew
Ealdbert, the etheling, whom he had before driven into exile.

A.D. 727. This year died Tobias, Bishop of Rochester: and Archbishop Bertwald consecrated Aldulf bishop in his stead.

A.D. 728. This year (25) Ina went to Rome, and there gave up the ghost. He was succeeded in the kingdom of Wessex by Ethelhard
his relative, who held it fourteen years; but he fought this same year with Oswald the
etheling. Oswald was the son of Ethelbald,
Ethelbald of Cynebald, Cynebald of Cuthwin, Cuthwin of Ceawlin.

A.D. 729. This year appeared the comet-star, and St. Egbert died in Iona. This year also died the etheling Oswald; and Osric was
slain, who was eleven winters king of Northumberland; to which kingdom Ceolwulf succeeded, and held it eight years. The said
Ceolwulf was the son of Cutha, Cutha of Cuthwin, Cuthwin of Leodwald, Leodwald of
Egwald, Egwald of Ealdhelm, Ealdhelm of Occa, Occa of Ida, Ida of Eoppa. Archbishop Bertwald died this year on the ides of January. He was bishop thirty-seven winters,
and six months, and fourteen days. The same year Tatwine, who was before a priest at Bredon in
Mercia, was consecrated
archbishop by Daniel Bishop of Winchester, Ingwald Bishop of London, Aldwin Bishop of
Lichfield, and Aldulf Bishop of
Rochester, on the tenth day of June. He enjoyed the archbishopric about three years.

[A.D. 729. And the same year Osric died; he was king eleven years; then Ceolwulf succeeded to the kingdom, and held it eight
years.]

A.D. 733. This year Ethelbald took Somerton; the sun was eclipsed; and Acca was driven from his bishopric.

A.D. 734. This year was the moon as if covered with blood; and Archbishop Tatwine and Bede departed this life; and Egbert was
consecrated bishop.

A.D. 735. This year Bishop Egbert received the pall at Rome.

A.D. 736. This year Archbishop Nothelm received the pall from the bishop of the Romans.

A.D. 737. This year Bishop Forthere and Queen Frithogitha went to Rome; and King Ceolwulf received the clerical tonsure, giving
his kingdom to Edbert, his uncle's son: who reigned one and twenty winters. Bishop Ethelwold and Acca died this year, and
Cynewulf was consecrated bishop. The same year also Ethelbald ravaged the land of the
Northumbrians.

A.D. 738. This year Eadbery, the son of Eata the son of Leodwald, succeeded to the Northumbrian kingdom, and held it one
and twenty winters. Archbishop Egbert, the son of Eata, was his brother. They both rest under one porch in the city of York.

A.D. 740. This year died King Ethelhard; and Cuthred, his relative, succeeded to the West-Saxon kingdom, which he held
fourteen winters, during which time he fought many hard battles with Ethelbald, king of the
Mercians. On the death of Archbishop Nothelm, Cuthbert was consecrated archbishop, and Dunn, Bishop
of Rochester. This year York was on fire.

A.D. 742. This year there was a large synod assembled at Cliff's-Hoo; and there was
Ethelbald, king of Mercia, with
Archbishop Cuthbert, and many other wise men.

A.D. 743. This year Ethelbald, king of Mercia, and Cuthred, king of the West-Saxons, fought with the Welsh.

A.D. 744. This year Daniel resigned the see of Winchester; to which Hunferth was promoted. The stars went swiftly shooting;
and Wilferth the younger, who had been thirty winters Bishop of York, died on the third day before the calends of May.

A.D. 745. This year died Daniel. Forty-three winters had then elapsed since he received the episcopal function.

A.D. 746. This year was King Selred slain.

A.D. 748. This year was slain Cynric, etheling of the West- Saxons; Edbert, King of Kent, died; and
Ethelbert, son of King Wihtred, succeeded to the kingdom.

A.D. 750. This year Cuthred, king of the West-Saxons, fought with the proud chief
Ethelhun.

A.D. 752. This year, the twelfth of his reign, Cuthred, king
of the West-Saxons, fought at Burford (27) with Ethelbald, king of the Mercians, and put him to flight.

A.D. 753. This year Cuthred, king of the West-Saxons, fought against the Welsh.

A.D. 754. This year died Cuthred, king of the West-Saxons; and Sebright, his relative, succeeded to the kingdom, which he held
one year; Cyneard succeeded Humferth in the see of Winchester; and Canterbury was this year on fire.

ENDNOTES

(21) Beverley-minster, in Yorkshire.
(22) He was a native of Tarsus in Cilicia, the birth-place of St. Paul.
(23) This brief notice of Dryhtelm, for so I find the name written in "Cotton
Tiberius B iv." is totally unintelligible without a reference to Bede's
"Ecclesiastical History", v. 12; where a curious account of him may be
found, which is copied by Matthew of Westminster, anno. 699.
(25) Wothnesbeorhge, Ethelw.; Wonsdike, Malmsb.; Wonebirih, H. Hunt; Wodnesbeorh,
Flor.; Wodnesbirch, M. West. There is no reason, therefore, to transfer the scene of
action to Woodbridge, as some have supposed from an erroneous reading.
(26) The establishment of the "English school" at Rome is attributed to Ina;
a full account of which, and of the origin of "Romescot" or "Peter-pence"
for the support of it, may be seen in Matthew of Westminster.